Face mask operable of resisting damage to facial cosmetics

ABSTRACT

An improved facial mask with a multilayered interior surface operable to minimize the damage to facial cosmetics while preventing the spread of airborne contagions. The first layer is comprised of breathable filtration material arranged on the interior surface to enable the user to comfortably breath through the mask while filtering airborne pathogens. The second layer is comprised of hydrophobic and/or lipophilic material arranged to minimize the damage to cosmetic arrangements made by the user.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a novel face mask design for preventingthe spread of disease. More particularly, embodiments of the presentinvention pertain to a face mask with specialized layers that resistadsorbing, smearing, or otherwise affecting cosmetic applications on theface of a wearer, while inhibiting the droplet or airborne transmissionof pathogens.

DISCUSSION OF THE BACKGROUND

In light of recent pandemics and the ease with which contagious diseasescan be transmitted between individuals in dense social settings of themodern world, it's now required that individuals wear a face mask atalmost all public spaces in order to impede the spread of airborneillnesses. However, in order to be effective, face masks are required tobe tightly fitted around the cheek bones and jawline, which may cause atransfer of cosmetics from the surface of the skin to the material ofthe face mask. This may lead to the ruining cosmetic applications madeby the user by causing smearing, smudging, lifting, creasing, ortarnishing user face paint. Thus, there remains a need for face maskoperable to impede the spread of airborne pathogens while minimizingdamage to facial cosmetics.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to an improved face mask operable tominimize disruption, smearing, and adsorption of facial cosmeticapplications. Embodiments of the present invention provides a face maskwith a multilayered interior surface operable to minimize thedisruption, smearing, and/or to facial cosmetics while preventing thespread of airborne contagions. The first layer may comprise breathablefiltration material arranged on the interior surface to enable the userto comfortably breath through the mask. The second layer may comprisehydrophobic and lipophilic material arranged to minimize disruption,smearing, and adsorption of cosmetic applications on the wearer.

The first layer and second layer of the presently disclosed face maskmay be sandwiched together such that the second layer is interior to thefirst layer, with the first layer positioned over the second layer. Thesecond layer may have a particular shape that interfaces with the areasof the face that are typically decorated with facial cosmetics. Thesecond layer may prevent contact of these areas with the first layer toprevent adsorption of the cosmetics to the first layer, which may be amore absorbent material. In some embodiments, the second layer may haveone or more openings that allow contact of the first layer with areas ofthe face that generally have little to no applied cosmetic thereon. Forexample, the openings in the second layer may have a rounded,rectangular shape around the area of the mouth. In some embodiments, theopenings may include inward indents on each lateral side to allow forbreathing and speech, while leaving areas around the mouth thatgenerally have more contact with face masks, such as the cheeks, noseand chin area overlapping with the second layer. In some embodiments,the first layer may only be exposed in areas in proximity to the mouthstructures such that the user may freely move their mouth without therisk of mask induced constriction or chafing or impacting breathing andspeech.

Generally, the second layer may have a shape that overlaps with areas ofthe first layer that are in contact with the skin when wearing a facemask. The second layer may cover the nose, chin, and/or cheek areas. Inanother example, the second layer may simply cover all areas of theinterior surface of the face mask.

The straps of the face mask may also a hydrophobic outer surface inorder to avoid disruption, smearing, and adsorption of cosmetics appliedin areas that they cross, such as the upper cheeks. The straps maysecure the mask to the wearer by attachment to the ears or back of thehead. In another embodiment, the first and/or second layer may bearranged such that there may be several areas where there are openingsor gaps in the second layer, while still protecting areas to whichcosmetics are typically applied. For example, the second layer may bepresent over only the area around the cheek bones, and may be absentfrom the lower cheeks lateral to and below the level of the mouth.

In some embodiments, the first layer of the face mask is comprisedprimarily of breathable filtration material, such as cotton, paper,polyester, nylon, silk or a mixture thereof, that enable the user tocomfortably breath through the mask. The material may be comprised in awoven fabric or other textile. In some embodiments, the first layer ofthe face mask may be comprised of elastic material, such as a blend ofcotton, spandex, polyester, and/or nylon, to stretch or distort itsshape to better adapt to the user's facial structure during typical use,while the interior second layer maintains its hydrophobic andsmear-resistant properties. In some embodiments, the first layer mayinclude horizontal or substantially horizontal fold that allow the maskto expand vertically to accommodate faces of different shapes and sizes.It should be understood that materials that comprise the first layer mayfurther comprise a substantial amount of non-breathable materialsgranted the mask is still substantially breathable and providessufficient filtration.

The second layer is comprised primarily of lipophilic/hydrophobicmaterials such as polyester, acrylic, modacrylic, specialized papertreated with hydrophobic materials with lipophilic/hydrophobicproperties, or a mixture thereof, that enable the mask to have little tono effect on aqueous based cosmetics and minimize disruption, smearing,and/or adsorption of the cosmetics. The hydrophobic layer may also wickaway natural oils on the surface of the skin, aiding to maintain theapplied cosmetics in position. The hydrophobic material may be coatedwith hydrophobic coating such as fluoropolymers (e.g.,polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE)); polypropylene, mineral oil,dimethyldibenzylidene sorbitol; silica nano-coating,(heptadecafluoro-1,1,2,2-tetradecyl) trimethoxysilane; ultramarines orother hydrophobic coatings or treatments. In some embodiments, thestraps of the masks may be comprised of similar material as the secondlayer so that the straps may also have hydrophobic properties. In anexemplary embodiment, the hydrophobic layer may comprise a materiallayer comprising ultramarines, polypropylene, mineral oil, anddimethyldibenzylidene.

In another embodiment, the present invention may further comprise ananti-fogging layer operable to resist fogging on the lenses of eyewear.The antifogging layer may be placed between the first and second layeror simply under the second layer, such that the area(s) covered by theanti-fogging layer does not affect the function of the second layer. Theanti-fogging layer may be placed in the area over the bridge of the noseand/or along the borders of the mask (e.g., on areas most proximal tothe eyes of a user or along the upper edge, along the lateral edges ofthe mask on the cheeks, and/or the bottom along the chin). For example,the anti-fogging layer may be comprised of a sponge that lines the upperedge of the face mask with a thickness in a range of about 1 mm to about15 mm (e.g., about 5 mm to about 10 mm, or any value or range of valuestherein), and a width in a range of about ¼ inch to about five inches(e.g., about ½ inch to about 4 inches, or any value or range of valuestherein). The material of the anti-fogging layer may be a sponge or foamor other material operable to block the movement of one's exhalationfrom flowing through the upper boundary of the face mask.

In another embodiment, the present invention may be a protective screencomprised of the hydrophobic, lipophilic material that that may be usedin combination with a garment for the purpose of avoiding disruption,smearing, or adsorption of a hydrophilic material by an overlyinggarment or other covering layer. The device can be used to avoiddisruption of any hydrophilic material applied to the skin, such ashydrophilic creams, hydrophilic pharmaceuticals, hydrophilic films,cosmetics, and other hydrophilic materials. For example, smearing,adsorption, and/or absorption of a medication that includes hydrophilicpharmaceutical compounds applied to the skin may be prevented by agarment wearable over the treated area of the skin with a protectivescreen, patch, or film comprising a hydrophobic material as describedherein that may have a circular, elliptical, or polygonal shape and maybe attached to the interior of the article of clothing in the areacorresponding to the treated area. The hydrophobic material may beincorporated into a patch that includes an adhesive (e.g., around theperimeter of the patch) operable to attach the skin or an overlyinggarment.

In some embodiments, the present invention may be related to ahydrophobic liner operable to be secured to a garment, mask, or otherwearable item. Such a removable liner may be attached to such wearableitem by a securing mechanism, such as an adhesive, hook and loopfasteners, fusible tape/web, buttons, clips or any other suitableattachment mechanism, and may vary depending on the intended usage. Forexample, for a disposable mask intended for a single use, an innercosmetic protective liner made of the lipophilic/hydrophobic materialmay be attached to an inner surface of the premanufactured mask to allowfor cosmetic protection. This protective layer may easily be added orremoved to allow for full functioning of the mask in circumstances wherethe user has, for instance, a N95 or K95 mask and would like to addcosmetic protection to these masks without interfering with thefiltration. The cosmetic protective layer may further comprise ananti-fogging layer on the surface of the screen that is intended toadhere to the face mask or face mask liner or other suitable apparel.The anti-fogging layer may be in areas of the bridge of the nose, inproximity to the eyes of a user, or around the periphery of the maskliner.

The present invention includes several embodiments, examples of whichare provided below. In one aspect, the present invention relates to aface mask operable to inhibit the spread of airborne pathogens andpreventing disruption to cosmetic applications on the skin of a user,comprising a multilayer interior surface that includes a first layercomprised of breathable filtration material, and a second layercomprised of material operable to prevent disruption to the cosmeticapplications. The second layer may be interior to the first layer andoverlaps the first layer in one or more predetermined areas that leaveopen area(s) around the wearer's mouth to facilitate breathing. The openareas may be arranged such that they make minimal contact with facialstructures of the user. The exposed areas may comprise an area aroundthe user's mouth to allow the wearer to freely move their mouth withoutconstriction or chafing caused by the second layer. The predeterminedareas may be areas that generally secure the mask in place and make themost contact with facial structures of the user. The breathable materialmay be comprised of cotton, paper, polyester, nylon, silk, or a mixturethereof. The material may be operable to resist disruption to thecosmetic application comprises hydrophobic material such as mineral oil,polyester, acrylic, polypropylene, modacrylic, dimethyldibenzylidenesorbitol, ultramarines or a mixture thereof. The mask may also includean anti-fogging layer operable to resist the fogging of lenses on theeyewear of the user. The anti-fogging layer may be placed on the areasof the bridge of the nose, in proximity to the eyes of the user, andbelow the second layer in all areas overlapping with the second layer.

In a second aspect, the present invention relates to a protective facemask having at least two layers, including a breathable layer to protectthe wearer airborne particulates, respiratory droplets, and microbialparticles and an inner layer comprising a material operable to preventdisruption to a cosmetic application to the skin of the wearer, and asecuring mechanism operable to attach the protective screen to suitableheadwear. The inner layer may have a predetermined pattern that includesat least one opening in proximity to the mouth of a user and having ashape that allows the wearer to freely move their mouth without orchafing caused by the inner layer. The securing mechanism may be basedon adhesives, hook and loop fasteners, buttons, or clips for attachingto the headwear. The material may be operable to resisting damage tocosmetic arrangements comprises hydrophobic material such as polyester,polypropylene, acrylic, mineral oil, modacrylic, specialized paper, or amixture thereof. The device may include an anti-fogging layer operableto resist the fogging of lenses on the eyewear of the user. Theanti-fogging layer may be placed on the areas in proximity to the eyesof the user on the surface of the protective screen that is intended toadhere to the suitable headwear.

In a third aspect, the present invention relates to an attachable devicefor protecting an application of a material to the skin, comprising alayer comprised of a hydrophobic material operable to prevent disruptionto a material applied to the skin; and an attachment layer forattachment to a garment or to the skin. The layer includes one or moreopenings in the hydrophobic material. The device may be configured to beattached to the interior of a face mask and includes an open area foraccommodating the shape of a mouth. The hydrophobic material may bepolyester, acrylic, modacrylic, or a mixture thereof. The hydrophobicmaterial comprises a hydrophobic coating.

In a fourth aspect, the present invention relates to a method of using aface mask operable to inhibit the spread of airborne pathogens andpreventing disruption to cosmetic applications on the skin of a user,comprising donning a multilayer interior surface that includes a firstlayer comprised of breathable filtration material, and a distinctremovable second layer comprised of material operable to preventdisruption to the cosmetic applications. The second layer may beinterior to the first layer and overlaps the first layer in one or morepredetermined areas that leave open area(s) around the wearer's mouth tofacilitate breathing and the wearer may decide whether to apply orremove the inner cosmetic protective layer. The open areas may bepositioned such that they make minimal contact with facial structures ofthe user and over an area around the user's mouth to allow the wearer tofreely move their mouth without constriction or chafing caused by thesecond layer. The predetermined areas may be areas that generally securethe mask in place and make the most contact with facial structures ofthe user. The breathable material may be comprised of cotton, paper,polyester, nylon, silk, or a mixture thereof. The material may beoperable to resist disruption to the cosmetic application compriseshydrophobic material such as polyester, mineral oil, acrylic,dimethyldibenzylidene sorbitol, ultramarines, modacrylic, polypropyleneor a mixture thereof. The mask may also include an anti-fogging layeroperable to resist the fogging of lenses on the eyewear of the user. Theanti-fogging layer may be placed on the areas most in proximity to theeyes of the user and below the second layer in all areas overlappingwith the second layer.

In a fifth aspect, the present invention relates to a method of making aface mask operable to inhibit the spread of airborne pathogens andpreventing disruption to cosmetic applications on the skin of a user,comprising applying a hydrophobic layer to a first layer comprised ofbreathable filtration material. The open areas may be arranged such thatthey make minimal contact with facial structures of the user. Theexposed areas may comprise an area around the user's mouth to allow thewearer to freely move their mouth without constriction or chafing causedby the hydrophobic layer. The predetermined areas may be areas thatgenerally secure the mask in place and make the most contact with facialstructures of the user. The predetermined areas may be areas thatgenerally secure the mask in place and make the most contact with facialstructures of the user. The breathable material may be comprised ofcotton, paper, polyester, nylon, silk, or a mixture thereof. Thehydrophobic layer may be operable to resist disruption to the cosmeticapplication comprises hydrophobic material such as polyester, acrylic,modacrylic, or a mixture thereof. Attaching an anti-fogging layeroperable to the interior of the mask resist the fogging of lenses on theeyewear of the user. The anti-fogging layer may be placed on the areasmost in proximity to the eyes of the user and below the second layer inall areas overlapping with the hydrophobic layer.

In a sixth aspect, the present invention relates to a method attachingan attachable device to the interior of a garment for protecting anapplication of a material to the skin, comprising a layer comprised of ahydrophobic material operable to prevent disruption to a materialapplied to the skin; and an attachment layer for attachment to a garmentor to the skin. The layer includes one or more openings in thehydrophobic material. The device may be configured to be attached to theinterior of a face mask and includes an open area for accommodating theshape of a mouth. The hydrophobic material may be polyester,ultramarines, acrylic, dimethyldibenzylidene sorbitol, ultramarinesmodacrylic, polypropylene or a mixture thereof. The hydrophobic materialcomprises a hydrophobic coating.

In some embodiments the face mask may be a simple mask that may be wornas a standalone garment. In other embodiments the smear resistant facemask may be incorporated into a shirt, sweatshirt, headwear, jacket, orany suitable apparel.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a face mask operableto inhibit the spread of infectious diseases while minimizing damage tofacial cosmetics.

It is also an object of the present invention to provide a face maskwith breathable and smear resistant properties derived from a multilayerinterior surface.

It is also an object of the present invention to provide a face maskdevice which may be incorporated into any suitable apparel.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 provides a front perspective view of the face mask, according toan embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 provides a back-perspective view of the face mask, according toan embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 provides a front view of the face mask, according to anembodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 provides a back view of the face mask, according to an embodimentof the present invention.

FIG. 5 provides a left side view of the face mask, according to anembodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 provides a right-side view of the face mask, according to anembodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 provides a top plan view of the face mask, according to anembodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 provides a bottom plan view of the face mask, according to anembodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 9 provides an environmental view of the arrangement of layers ofthe mask, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 10 provides a perspective view of a hydrophobic patch, according toan embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 11 provides a front and back views of a face mask attachment,according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 12 provides a front and back views of a face mask attachment,according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 13 provides a front and back views of a face mask attachment,according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 14 provides a side view of a face mask attachment, according to anembodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 15 provides an assembly diagram for a face mask attachment and aface mask, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Reference will now be made in detail to certain embodiments of theinvention, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanyingdrawings. While the invention will be described in reference to theseembodiments, it will be understood that they are not intended to limitthe invention. To the contrary, the invention is intended to coveralternatives, modifications, and equivalents that are included withinthe spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the claims. In thefollowing disclosure, specific details are given to provide a thoroughunderstanding of the invention. However, it will be apparent to oneskilled in the art that the present invention may be practiced withoutthese specific details.

As exemplified in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, present invention relates to animproved face mask 100 operable to minimize disruption, smearing, orremoval of facial cosmetics from the skin. Embodiments of the presentinvention provides a face mask 100 with a multilayered interior surface101 operable to minimize damage to facial cosmetics while preventing thespread of airborne contagions. The first layer 102 is comprised ofbreathable filtration material arranged on the interior surface toenable the user to comfortably breath through the mask. The second layer103 is comprised of hydrophobic and/or lipophobic material arranged tominimize the disruption of cosmetic applications on the skin of theuser.

As shown in FIG. 9, the first layer 102 of the multilayer interiorsurface 101 may be arranged such that only areas to which the face isexposed are those that generally make little to no contact to the faceof a standard user 110. For example, as shown in FIG. 4, the exposedareas of the first layer 102 may have a rounded rectangular shape withinward indents 104 or notches on each side to avoid the areas thatgenerally make the most contact with facial structures, such as thecheeks, nose and chin area. Such arrangement of the first layer 102,enable the user to freely move their mouth without the risk of maskinduced constriction or chafing. Conversely, second layer 103 may bearranged such that the areas of the interior surface 101 of the maskthat generally secure the mask in place and/or make close contact withthe facial structures of a user 110 are covered by the second layer. Forexample, as shown in FIG. 9, the second layer 103 of the face mask 100may just cover the edges, with indents 104 or notches made for areasthat require more coverage, such as the nose, chin, or cheek areas.

In another embodiment, the first layer 102 may only be exposed in areasin proximity to the mouth structures such that the user may freely movetheir mouth without the risk of mask causing constriction, impingement,or chafing. In another example, the second layer 103 may simply coverall areas of the interior surface 101 of the face mask that arecomplimentary to the first layer 102. The straps of the face mask 105may also be arranged or structured such that grasp or securing of themask 100 via the facial structures are minimized, while maximizing thesecuring of the mask via other structures, such as the ears or back ofthe head. In other embodiments, the first and/or second layers may bearranged such that the first layer 102 has little to no overlap with thesecond layer 103. In such embodiments, the first layer 102 may meet andbe attached to the second layer 103 at the border of the second layer103. For example, to increase breathability, areas of the second layer103 may be disconnected such that more areas of the first layer areexposed provided the face mask remains resistive to cosmetic damages.

The smear resistant face mask 100 may vary in shape and size in order toadjust breathability, facial coverage, cosmetic coverage, stability,and/or general user comfort. For example, the face mask 100 mayinitially have a flat rectangular or elliptical shape operable to coverthe user's mouth and nose area during use. The mask 100 may includeexpandable folds in a horizontal or substantially horizontal directionto allow the mask 100 to be expanded in a vertical direction. As anotherexample, the face mask 100, may also have a conical, hemi-spherical,duckbill or other complex shape and may be firm such that the mask mayretain its shape when not in use. In some embodiments, the first layer102 may be comprised of elastic material, such as a blend of cotton,spandex, polyester, and/or nylon, to stretch or distort its shape tobetter adapt to the user's 110 facial structure during typical use. Inother embodiments, the first layer 102 may be comprised of inelasticmaterials, such as paper, with bends or seams arranged in a mannerenabling the shape of the mask to adapt to the user's 110 facialstructure.

In some embodiments, the first layer 102 of the face mask 100 iscomprised primarily of breathable filtration material, such as cotton,paper, polyester, nylon, silk or a mixture thereof, that enable the userto comfortably breath through the mask. It should be understood thatmaterials that comprise the first layer 102 may further comprise asubstantial amount of non-breathable materials granted the mask is stillsubstantially breathable and provides sufficient filtration to reduce orprevent droplet and/or aerial transmission of pathogens. The secondlayer 103 is comprised primarily of lipophilic/hydrophobic materialssuch as polyester, polypropylene, dimethyldibenzylidene sorbitol,ultramarines acrylic, modacrylic, mineral oil or other specializedfabric with lipophilic/hydrophobic properties, that enable the mask toavoid disrupting, smearing, and/or absorb cosmetic substances. Thestraps 105 of the masks may be comprised of similar material to thesecond layer so that the straps may also have lipophilic/hydrophobicproperties. Similarly, the materials that comprise the second layer 103may further comprise hydrophilic materials such that the layer is stillsubstantially hydrophobic and therefore has no effect on aqueous basedcosmetics.

In other embodiments, the present invention may further comprise ananti-fogging layer 110 operable to resist fogging on the lenses ofeyewear. The antifogging layer 110 may be placed in between the firstlayer 102 and second layer 103 or simply under the second layer 103,such that the area(s) of the mask 100 in which the anti-fogging layer110 is positioned so as not to affect the function of the second layer103. The anti-fogging layer 110 may be placed on the areas most proximalto the eyes of a user or along the upper edge of the mask 100. Forexample, the anti-fogging layer 110 may be comprised of a fog resistantsponge that lines the upper edge of the face mask 100 with the width ofabout an inch. The material of the anti-fogging layer 110 may be asponge or foam or any material known in the art for its anti-foggingproperties.

In other embodiments, the present invention may be a protective screen120 comprised of the hydrophobic and/or lipophilic material having anopening 121, and a securing mechanism 122, as shown in FIG. 10. Thisenables the protective device 120 to be used with various articles ofclothing or on the skin to protect cosmetic applications or other skinapplications (e.g., medications, etc.). For example, the protectivescreen 120 may be appended to a standard face mask (N95, K 95 or other)to minimize the disruption of cosmetics applied to the face. In suchembodiments, the protective screen 120 may have a circular, elliptical,or other complex polygonal shape and may depend on the article ofclothing to which it will be applied. The opening 121 may be shaped andlocated to enable the user to freely move their mouth without the riskof constriction or chafing induced by the screen. For example, theopening 121 may be located in proximity to the mouth area and have arounded rectangular shape with inward indents or notches on each sidesuch that the user may freely move their mouth without constriction orchafing induced by the screen 120. In such embodiments, the securingmechanism 122 may be a clip, hook and loop fasteners, fusible tape/web,buttons, an adhesive or any other suitable attachment mechanism, and mayvary depending on the intended usage. For example, for a disposable maskintended for a single use, the securing mechanism 122 may comprise aseries of clips or an adhesive layer on one side of the protectivescreen 120. The protective screen may further comprise an anti-fogginglayer on the surface of the screen that is intended to adhere to theface mask or other suitable apparel. The anti-fogging layer may be areasin proximity to the eyes of a user or the upper edge of the protectivescreen.

FIGS. 11-15 show various embodiments of a protective screen comprised ofthe hydrophobic and/or lipophilic material according to the presentinvention. In FIG. 11, a protective screen 120A is shown having an innerhydrophobic layer 123A for interfacing with the skin of the wearer andan outer semi-rigid layer 121A. The outer layer 121A may providestructure to keep the inner hydrophobic layer 123A in proper positionover the mouth and proximal areas of the wearer's face. The semi-rigidouter layer may be flexible to allow the wearer to adjust its shape tofit their particular anatomy. For example, the semi-rigid outer layer121A may comprise a flexible cardboard, cardstock layer, or otherformable layer that can be shaped to the better fit the wearer's facialstructure. This protective device 120A that can be used with maskshaving a basic rectangular shape to protect cosmetic applications orother skin applications (e.g., medications, etc.). The protective screen120A may have a substantially rectangular shape and the outer layer 121Amay include an opening 122A, and the inner hydrophobic layer 123A mayinclude an opening 124A that together facilitate breathing andcommunication. The openings 122A and 124A may each have a roundedrectangular shape located at the position of the wearer's mouth toenable the user to breathe freely. A securing mechanism may allow theprotective screen 120A to be installed on the interior side of a facemask, thereby providing the protective hydrophobic layer 123A over thewearer's face. The securing mechanism may be one or more clips 125 tosecure the protective screen 120A to the mask 150A. The protectivescreen may further comprise an anti-fogging layer on the surface of thescreen that is intended to adhere to the face mask or other suitableapparel. The anti-fogging layer may be areas in proximity to the eyes ofa user or the upper edge of the protective screen.

FIG. 12 shows a protective screen 120B comprised of a semi-rigid outerlayer 121B having an opening 122B, a hydrophobic and/or lipophilic innerlayer 123B, and a securing mechanism 125. The protective screen 120B maybe appended to a standard face mask to minimize the disruption ofcosmetics applied to the face. The hydrophobic layer 123B may have twocrescent portions that are positioned above and below the opening 122B,such that they are positioned above and below the mouth when worn. Thetwo crescent portions together form an elliptically shaped hydrophobicbarrier 123B. The opening 122B may be shaped and located to enable theuser to breath freely. For example, the opening 122B may be located inproximity to the mouth area and have an elliptical shape. In suchembodiments, the securing mechanism 125 may be one or more clips, or anyother suitable attachment mechanism, and may vary depending on theintended usage. The protective screen may further comprise ananti-fogging layer on the surface of the screen that is intended toadhere to the face mask or other suitable apparel. The anti-fogginglayer may be areas in proximity to the eyes of a user or the upper edgeof the protective screen.

FIG. 13 shows a protective screen 120C comprised of the hydrophobicand/or lipophilic material layer 123C, an outer layer 121B, and asecuring mechanism 125. The protective device 120C may be operable to beused as a patch for various locations on the skin to protect hydrophobiccompositions applied to the skin, such as lotions, creams, medicaments,etc. from absorption, removal, and other disruptions by overlyingarticles of clothing or other materials. The attachment mechanism may bean adhesive layer operable to safely adhere to the skin or tissue of thewearer, such as silicone-based adhesives, polydimethylsiloxanes (SAP)based adhesives, poly vinyl alcohol (PVA) based adhesives, cyanoacrylatemonomers (e.g., 2-Octyl-cyanoacrylate, n-2-Butyl-cyanoacrylate,2-Ethyl-cyanoacrylate, and combinations thereof), and other tissue-safeadhesives.

FIG. 14 provides a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a protectivescreen 120 according to an embodiment of the present invention. Theprotective screen may include a three-layer sandwich structure thanincludes an outer semi-rigid layer 121 for providing structure and shapeto the protective screen 120, an anti-fogging layer 125 in mechanicalconnection to the outer layer 121 for preventing fogging in the glassesor other devices worn by the user, and the hydrophobic layer 123 thatinterfaces with the skin of the wearer to prevent smearing or otherdisruption of cosmetics or other hydrophobic compositions applied to theskin of the wearer. The anti-fogging layer 125 may be positioned onlyalong the area of the protective screen 120 that is positioned below theeyes and over the nose of the wearer. In other examples, theanti-fogging layer 125 may be positioned along the entire perimeter ofthe hydrophobic layer 123, thereby catching moisture along the entireborder of the protective screen 120. The outer layer 121, theanti-fogging layer 125, and the hydrophobic layer 123 may bemechanically connected to each other by adhesive, such as siliconeadhesives, polyester adhesives, polyamide adhesive, polyurethaneadhesives, cyanoacrylate adhesives, and other appropriate adhesives.

FIG. 15 provides views of the process of attaching the protective screen120A to a face mask 150A, as an example of use of the protective screenembodiments. The protective screen 120A may be placed in alignment withthe mask 150A, such that the protective screen 120A is position on theinterior side of the face mask 150A. The clips 125 may then be used toclasp the outer layer 121 to the face mask 150A in multiple locations,as shown in FIG. 15. The combined mask 150A and protective screen 120Amay be applied to the user's face using the bands 105.

It should be understood that the foregoing descriptions of specificembodiments of the present invention have been presented for purposes ofillustration and description. They are not intended to be exhaustive orto limit the invention to the precise forms disclosed, and obviouslymany modifications and variations are possible in light of the aboveteachings. The embodiments were chosen and described in order to bestexplain the principles of the invention and its practical application,and to thereby enable others skilled in the art to best utilize theinvention and various embodiments with various modifications as aresuited to the particular use contemplated.

1. A face mask operable to inhibit the spread of airborne pathogens andpreventing disruption to cosmetic applications on the skin of a user,comprising: a. a multilayer interior surface that includes a first layercomprised of breathable filtration material; and b. a second layercomprised of material operable to prevent disruption to said cosmeticapplications.
 2. The mask of claim 1, wherein said second layer isinterior to said first layer and overlaps said first layer in one ormore predetermined areas that leave open area(s) around the wearer'smouth to facilitate breathing.
 3. The mask of claim 2, wherein said openareas are arranged such that they make minimal contact with facialstructures of said user.
 4. The mask of claim 2, wherein said exposedareas include an area around the corners of the user's mouth to allowthe wearer to freely move their mouth without constriction or chafingcaused by the second layer.
 5. The mask of claim 1, wherein saidpredetermined areas are areas that generally secure the mask in placeand make the most contact with facial structures of said user. 6.(canceled)
 7. The mask of claim 1, wherein said material operable toresist disruption to said cosmetic application comprises hydrophobicmaterial such as mineral oil, polyester, acrylic, dimethyldibenzylidenesorbitol, ultramarines, modacrylic, polypropylene, or a mixture thereof.8. The mask of claim 1, further comprising an anti-fogging layeroperable to resist the fogging of lenses on the eyewear of said user. 9.The mask of claim 12, wherein said anti-fogging layer is placed on theareas most in proximity to the eyes of said user and below said secondlayer in all areas overlapping with the said second layer.
 10. The maskof claim 1, further comprising a structural layer in mechanicalcommunication with said second layer that is operable to maintain apre-determined shape of said second layer.
 11. The mask of claim 8,further comprising a structural layer in mechanical communication withsaid anti-fogging layer and said second layer that is operable tomaintain a pre-determined shape of said second layer.
 12. A protectiveface mask having at least two layers, including a breathable layer toprotect the wearer airborne particulates, respiratory droplets, andmicrobial particles and an inner hydrophobic layer comprising a materialoperable to prevent disruption to compositions applied to the skin ofthe wearer, and a securing mechanism operable to attach said protectivescreen to suitable headwear or the wearer's head.
 13. The device ofclaim 12, wherein said inner layer has a predetermined pattern thatincludes at least one opening in proximity to the mouth of a user andhaving a shape that allows the wearer to freely move their mouth withoutor chafing caused by said inner layer.
 14. (canceled)
 15. The device ofclaim 12, wherein said material operable to resist disruption tocomposition applied to the skin comprises at least one hydrophobicmaterial including mineral oil, polyester, polypropylene, acrylic,modacrylic, dimethyldibenzylidene sorbitol, ultramarines, specializedpaper, or a mixtures thereof.
 16. The device of claim 12, furthercomprising an anti-fogging layer operable to resist the fogging oflenses on the eyewear of said user.
 17. The mask of claim 12, whereinsaid anti-fogging layer is placed on the areas most in proximity to theeyes of said user on the surface of said protective screen that isintended to adhere to said suitable headwear.
 18. (canceled)
 19. Anmask, comprising: a. a layer comprised of a hydrophobic materialoperable to prevent disruption to a topical material applied to the skinwhen said layer is in contact with the skin; and b. an outer layerproviding a mask covering.
 20. The mask of claim 19, wherein said layerincludes one or more openings in the hydrophobic material.
 21. The maskof claim 19, wherein said device is configured to be attached to theinterior of a face mask and includes an open area for accommodating theshape of a mouth.
 22. The mask of claim 19, wherein said hydrophobicmaterial comprises mineral oil, polyester, polypropylene, acrylic,dimethyldibenzylidene sorbitol, ultramarines, modacrylic, or a mixtureof one or more of such materials.
 23. The mask of claim 19, wherein saidhydrophobic material comprises a hydrophobic coating.